Manchester United's unexpected summer arrival Bebe says he is aiming to emulate his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo and become a global star at Old Trafford.

Fergie invests in youth

Bebe signed for United in a £7 million deal from Vitoria Guimaraes last week, despite having only joined the Portuguese club on a free transfer from a third-tier side five weeks previously. Little was known about the 20-year-old but it quickly came to light that he had a fascinating story, having previously spent time on the streets.

But while United signed Ronaldo after he impressed in a friendly against the club in 2003, Sir Alex Ferguson admitted on Tuesday he has never seen Bebe in action on a football pitch and instead relied on glowing recommendations from his Portuguese coaching staff.

The forward's first participation in the Premier League will be eagerly awaited and he has increased expectation somewhat by declaring he hopes to follow in Ronaldo's footsteps.

"To come to a team like Manchester United is a dream come true for any player," Bebe said. "The Portuguese factor at Old Trafford was a motivation for me.

"You have very big names like Cristiano Ronaldo who has played here and is a very big player now. Nani and Anderson are still at the club. I want to become like then and I will work hard to become a top quality player."